The verdict in three sentences
CEPICI (Ivory Coast Investment Promotion Center) is the one-stop shop that bundles the chamber of commerce, tax authority, social security (CNPS) and the registry into a single journey. In 2026, creating a SARL in Abidjan often takes 24 to 48 hours once your file is complete, versus several weeks a decade ago. The minimum capital has been abolished for the SARL: you can start with a symbolic capital and moderate filing costs.
The CEPICI one-stop-shop steps
The process is largely digital via CEPICI's online platform, with physical filing possible at the Abidjan-Plateau headquarters. Six steps chain together in one place:
| Step | What happens | Indicative delay |
|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | Trade name check and lock | A few hours |
| Drafting the bylaws | SARL/SAS statutes filed (lawyer or notary advised) | 1 day |
| CEPICI file submission | Single form + supporting documents | Same day |
| RCCM registration | Commercial and Movable Credit Register | 24–48 h |
| Tax number (DGI) | Taxpayer Account assigned | Included |
| CNPS declaration | Employer social-security registration | Included |
At the end you receive a single receipt containing the RCCM, the Taxpayer Account number and the CNPS registration — the three IDs required to open a bank account and invoice.
Cost and legal form: the 2026 table
The amounts below are 2026 orders of magnitude; they vary with notary use and declared capital.
| Form | Minimum capital | Filing cost (estimate) | Delay | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | 10,000–20,000 FCFA | 24 h | Freelancer, artisan |
| Single-member SARL | Free (from 1 FCFA) | 15,000–35,000 FCFA | 24–48 h | Solo founder |
| Multi-member SARL | Free | 25,000–45,000 FCFA | 24–48 h | Several partners |
| SAS | Free | 40,000–90,000 FCFA | 48–72 h | Fundraising |
| Branch | N/A | 60,000–120,000 FCFA | 3–5 d | Foreign group |
Using a notary (often advised above 1,000,000 FCFA of capital) adds fees but secures the bylaws for multi-partner or high-growth projects.
Mini case study
Konan, a freelance developer in Abidjan-Cocody, wants to move from informal invoicing to a credible structure for enterprise clients. He picks a single-member SARL with 100,000 FCFA capital. CEPICI filing cost: about 30,000 FCFA, file submitted Monday, RCCM received Wednesday. The following week he opens a business account and signs a 3,500,000 FCFA contract he could not have won without an RCCM number. The payback on formation cost is immediate.
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FAQ
Is minimum capital required for a SARL in Ivory Coast in 2026?
No. The legal minimum was abolished: you can technically create a SARL with very low capital. In practice, 100,000 to 1,000,000 FCFA strengthens your banking credibility.
How long does registration really take?
With a complete file, the RCCM often issues in 24 to 48 hours. Delays almost always come from missing documents (proof of address, unsigned bylaws).
Can everything be done online?
CEPICI offers a largely digital platform for filing and tracking. Some steps (legalization, bank capital deposit) may still require an in-person visit in Abidjan.
What documents should I prepare?
Partners' ID, company address proof, signed bylaws, and the single CEPICI form. For a foreigner, a passport copy and sometimes a criminal record extract suffice.
A website from day one
A registered company with no online presence loses half its credibility. At Kolonell we deliver a professional showcase website in 5 to 15 days (from 250,000 FCFA), with Wave and Orange Money payment built in if you sell online. The day your RCCM issues, your site can be live.
Let's talk about your project. We put you online while CEPICI processes your file. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
